Detroit 2011: 2012 Mercedes-Benz S350 Bluetec is one torque-tastic S-Class
During the festivities here at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz quietly rolled out the 2012 S350 Bluetec, a diesel-powered S-Class that’s destined for consumption here in the United States. The big news is that M-B will now offer the only diesel-powered flagship luxury sedan here in the States – Audi, BMW and Jaguar don’t offer an oil-burning version of their high-rollers here in the U.S.
Mercedes-Benz neglected to release any technical specifications about the new S350 Bluetec, but as its nomenclature would suggest, it’s powered by the same 3.5-liter Bluetec V6 found in the E-, ML- and GL-Class vehicles. Mercedes has clearly proven that the business case for Bluetec here in the United States is indeed valid, and we’d much rather opt for a diesel S-Class as opposed to the S400 Hybrid.
Categories: Mercedes-Benz Tags: Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 walkaround
Mercedes-Benz has released 10 minutes of new video footage of the SLS AMG GT3.
Set to enter competition next year, key design features include a new front fascia, a ventilated hood, a carbon fiber front splitter, a massive rear diffuser, and an enormous rear wing. Other goodies include an AMG race braking system, a six-speed racing transmission, roll cage and a steering wheel with buttons for the pit radio, headlight flashers and drink supply.
Under the hood, power is provided by a 6.3-liter V8 engine which is “virtually identical” to the one in the production car. The company declined to provide detailed performance data, but stated the GT3 can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds (0.2 seconds faster than the standard car) and hit a top speed in excess of 186 mph (300 km/h).
Categories: Mercedes-Benz, Super Cars Tags: Mercedes-Benz
First Drive: 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
Visions of wealthy surfer dudes chasing tasty waves isn’t exactly the first image we’d associate with the freshened up 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class, but right before our drive in-and-around New York City, we received this tidbit during the press preview: it’ll swallow 7-foot boards. Good to know.
While we’re guessing surf board stowage isn’t a top priority for most prospective R-Class buyers (full disclosure, we have firsthand knowledge of a guy who used his R-Class for just this purpose), the point is made — this is a luxury crossover with some unique capabilities.
Most of the changes to the U.S.-built 2011 R-Class revolve around its exterior, which is now more in line with its stablemates. Its wider-look mug is highlighted by a more angular three-bar grille and hood, revised headlamps and slick LED light-bar running lamps. The muscular theme also plays out at the rear, with shallower rear glass, rectangular exhaust tips integrated into a diffuser, and edgier taillamps. Adorning the coupe-themed greenhouse’s flanks are larger rear view mirrors with the automaker’s optional blind spot detection system — a welcome feature for a vehicle as long as the R-Class (203.1 inches).
Categories: Auto Review, Car Review, Mercedes-Benz Tags: Mercedes-Benz
